How can my father manage bipolar at 70 without support?

Question

Hello doctor,

My father is 70 years old and has bipolar disorder. He was managing well for years when my mother was alive, but since she passed away 18 months ago, he has been completely alone. He refuses therapy and sometimes skips his medication, saying that he does not see the point anymore.

How does a 70-year-old manage bipolar disorder without a consistent support system? We live in a different city and can not be there every day, and I am terrified about what could happen.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I see your point of view.

Your father might be feeling hopeless or having thoughts of self-harm if he says things like “I don’t see the point anymore.” These comments need to be taken seriously, considering his age, bipolar disorder, and recent loss and grief.

The death of a life partner is one of the most disturbing and painful things that can happen to anyone. It is considered a major life stressor and can have a major emotional effect, especially in older adults who may be confronted with loneliness and health problems.

Please do your best to stay in touch with him regularly through phone calls, video calls, or visits as much as you can. If you can not be there daily, you might consider arranging for a trusted family member, friend, or caregiver to visit him routinely. If his safety is a concern, then, depending upon the level of risk, a supervised environment such as a nursing home, assisted living facility, or hospital may have to be considered.

I would suggest an urgent psych assessment to review his mood, medication adherence, risk of suicide, and safety in general. This situation cannot be overlooked, and timely support, supervision, and professional help are very important at this stage.

Hope this helps you.

Thanks.